The Freshman Experience

How new Carthage students made the most of J-Term

Shown against the backdrop of Neuschwanstein Castle, Brittany Sherman, '15, traveled to Germany to study representations of Germany's past.

Visiting Germany gave Brittany Sherman, ’15, a richer understanding of that country’s history than she could ever glean from a textbook.

Only one semester into her time at Carthage, she traveled with Prof. Gregory Baer to study Representations of Germany’s Past. Students visited cultural and historical sites and met with students, scholars and civic planners to see the factors that affect how people view history.

The “indescribable” experience of seeing the Dachau concentration camp and hearing the recollections of a survivor stand out in Brittany’s mind. Although she calls the study tour a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it has sparked an interest in future Carthage expeditions.

“I never could have traveled and done all we did for the same price on my own,” Brittany said.

Overseas travel also helped Brittany, a neuroscience major from Bloomington, Ill., bond with a diverse mix of students.

“A lot of them I never would have met if it weren't through this trip, since we have distinctly different majors and would not have traditional classes together,” she said.

A zoom lens on another government

Kendall Vega, '15, had been to Europe but was interested to see another part of the world. A study tour in New Zealand accomplished that.

Kendall Vega, '15, traveled to New Zealand for a field study during J-Term.

During J-Term 2012, she was part of the group that traveled with Prof. Brent McClintock, who teaches economics, and Prof. Michael Phegley, who teaches business and pre-law. Through field work in the vastly changing nation, students were able to analyze the similarities and distinctions between U.S. and New Zealand public policies.

That only fueled an interest in comparative politics for Kendall, a political science and religion major from Kenosha. For her, the opportunity to travel as a freshman was a no-brainer.

"It's a chance to travel in a safe environment for a good price, all while learning about a foreign country," she said. "I wanted to visit New Zealand because I knew I would be able to experience a completely new culture without having to deal with a language barrier."

Though she was halfway around the world, Kendall said she felt at home.

"When the trip started, I was nervous because I was the only freshman in the group," she said, "but the other students welcomed me so quickly that I completely forgot what I was nervous about and just enjoyed myself. I'll always remember the lengthy plane rides, the waterfalls, the mountains and the cheerful New Zealanders."

Lasting memories without leaving campus

Back on campus, J-Term brought just as many memorable experiences to Kelly Field, '15. She took a class in which the students staged Romeo & Juliet.

A newcomer to acting, Kelly played Friar John while also serving as the assistant stage manager. She said the class exposed students to literary lessons about William Shakespeare's use of language, as well as to purely fun experiences like swordfighting.

Working on the play gave Kelly a head start on her theatre major in technical production and design. The freshman from Johnsburg, Ill., has an emphasis on stage management.

"It was great having only one class for a month," she said. "I just wish the class had lasted even longer, since it was one of the best experiences I ever had."

"I don't necessarily have the money to study abroad for a full semester, as much as I'd like to. J-Term is a way to travel, get credit and experience something that you can't do otherwise."
— Tyler Jump, '11

Study Tour: Sweden: Students study international business and marketing in Sweden.

Gospel Music in Education: Students sing praises of Gospel music J-Term course.